NIC Artificial Intelligence Guidelines for Teaching and Learning
Welcome
At North Island College (NIC), technological advancements are continually shaping teaching and learning, from calculators and computers to the internet, mobile phones, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). When used ethically and thoughtfully, AI presents opportunities to enhance education while also posing risks that must be addressed. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into educational and professional spaces, the NIC community is encouraged to engage with these tools responsibly and with awareness of their broader implications.
Generative AI (GenAI) is a type of artificial intelligence that creates new content—such as text, images, music, and videos—by identifying patterns in existing data. Unlike traditional AI, which primarily analyzes information to make predictions, GenAI generates original outputs based on learned relationships. However, AI is just one subset of AI, so these guidelines will refer to AI more broadly to encompass its wider applications.
Please review the highlights and key points below for a summary of NIC’s Artificial Intelligence Guidelines for Teaching and Learning.
Highlights and Key Points
Clarifying AI Use in
Student Learning
AI is a part of the learning experience for students. Be clear on what students can and cannot use AI for demonstrating their learning.
NIC’s Six-Lane AI
Assessment Scale
NIC has a six-lane AI Assessment Scale which instructors are encouraged to use in their course outlines to be clear on the type of use of AI that is permitted.
No Reliable AI
Detection Tools Exist
There are no AI detectors, tools or platforms that can signal when a student has used AI in their work.
AT this time, Copilot is the Only
NIC Approved AI Tool
Microsoft Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection (not Microsoft 365 Copilot) is available to all faculty, staff, and students under NIC’s M365 license and has undergone a Privacy Impact Assessment at UBC.
Use AI Assessment Scale with
Course Outline Chart to
Clarify Assignments
To provide clarity and alignment of graded course work (evaluation items) for all students, a chart like this could be added to your course outlines. The chart helps tie together learning outcomes to evaluation to use of AI. In addition, the NIC Student AI Disclosure Form can be attached to assignment submissions [Word] [PDF].
Protect confidential data and STUDENT privacy when using ai
Avoid entering confidential NIC data, student work or personal information into unapproved AI tools, as this may expose sensitive content to unauthorized parties.
Copyright and Content Ownership Considerations
for AI Use
AI tools have different ownership policies, so review terms of use and obtain licenses if needed. To avoid copyright or plagiarism risks, verify originality, cite sources, and follow NIC Library’s AI citation guidelines.
social & Environmental impact
AI outputs can reflect biases, produce errors, and consume significant energy; users should critically review results and adopt sustainable practices to minimize impact.
approval & consent
AI is shaping industry expectations, and preparing students to use it ethically aligns with NIC’s commitment to real learning for real change. Instructors should ensure AI use supports course outcomes, offers meaningful learning experiences, provides equitable alternatives, and adheres to NIC policies.
These guidelines were inspired by the work of the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Community College, along with the input and direction of the NIC AI Teaching and Learning Working Group. Given the ongoing updates and changes in AI, these guidelines will be updated accordingly.